Centrally located on the campus of the University of Sheffield, UK, The Wave is an ultra-modern building designed for the Faculty of Social Sciences. This world-class facility provides a unique, sustainable work environment stimulating research and study development.
The entire project accomplishment involved multi-stage technical consultations and searching for innovative solutions. Working with façade contractor Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd., Press Glass supplied more than 5,000 square metres of façade glass. Among others, laminated glass with Digital Print technology, acoustic glass units and glass with SunGuard coatings for increased solar control and thermal insulation were used for façade glazing.
The production of façade glazed units with heights in excess of 3,800 millimetres and a complex design was an additional challenge for the Press Glass engineering team.
The nearly 17,000 square metre building was designed by HLM Architects in close collaboration with the University of Sheffield authorities. The Wave has been strategically located between two parks, offering comfortable and safe meeting spaces for students, staff and the local community. The design of the building comprised both the dynamic scientific development of the university as well as fulfilled the mission of sustainable architecture by obtaining the prestigious BREEAM Outstanding certificate.
The façade of The Wave has been designed with care to control internal conditions while presenting a striking, rhythmic design that “flows between transparency and solidity.” The visible slender rounded corners add lightness to the block and the large-format façade glass ensures thermal and acoustic comfort.
The building was commissioned in April 2023. In July 2023, the architectural design of The Wave won the prestigious South Yorkshire Property Award in the design excellence category.